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2024 NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Discussion East CAR @ NYR BOS @ FLA West COL @ DAL EDM @ VAN ______ Full Schedule courtesy of @SwampD: Eastern Conference Bruins/Panthers Game 1: BOS @ FLA | May 6, 8 p.m. (ESPN) Game 2: BOS @ FLA | May 8, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Game 3: FLA @ BOS | May 10, 7 p.m. (TNT) Game 4: FLA @ BOS | May 12, TBD (TBS) Game 5: BOS @ FLA | May 14, TBD* Game 6: FLA @ BOS | May 17, TBD* Game 7: BOS @ FLA | May 19, TBD* Rangers/Hurricanes Game 1: NYR 4, CAR 3 Game 2: CAR @ NYR | May 7, 7 p.m. (ESPN) Game 3: NYR @ CAR | May 9, 7 p.m. (TNT) Game 4: NYR @ CAR | May 11, TBD (TNT) Game 5: CAR @ NYR | May 13 TBD* Game 6: NYR @ CAR | May 16, TBD* Game 7: CAR @ NYR | May 18, TBD* Western Conference Avalanche/Stars Game 1: COL @ DAL | May 7, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN) Game 2: COL @ DAL | May 9, 9:30 p.m. (TNT) Game 3: DAL @ COL | May 11, TBD (TNT) Game 4: DAL @ COL | May 13, TBD (ESPN) Game 5: COL @ DAL | May 15, TBD* Game 6: DAL @ COL | May 17, TBD* Game 7: COL @ DAL | May 19, TBD* Oilers/Canucks Game 1: EDM @ VAN | May 8, 10 p.m. (ESPN) Game 2: EDM @ VAN | May 10, 10 p.m. (TNT) Game 3: VAN @ EDM | May 12, TBD (TBS) Game 4: VAN @ EDM | May 14, TBD (ESPN) Game 5: EDM @ VAN | May 16, TBD* Game 6: VAN @ EDM | May 18, TBD* Game 7: EDM @ VAN | May 20, TBD* ______ Discuss!

Next up in our player discussion series, a three-for-one special: #84 Phil Varone C (24-year-old RFA) Rochester 55/15/29/44/-7/22 Buffalo 28/3/2/5/-14/10 #20 Zac Dalpe RW (25-year-old RFA) Rochester 44/16/12/28/-7/0 Buffalo 21/1/2/3/-11/4 #49 Jerry D'Amigo RW (24-year-old RFA) Springfield 28/3/4/7/-4/26 Rochester 31/6/13/19/0/21 Buffalo 9/0/0/0/-4/2 Three players who failed to catch on with the teams that originally drafted them. Three players who were given another chance with the Sabres. Three players who have proven to be effective in the minor leagues, but have failed to grab regular NHL spots after at least four years pro. Dalpe can fly, Varone has good offensive instincts and D’Amigo plays hard all the time. So far, none of them have been able to capitalize on those gifts enough to overcome holes in other parts of their games. Has the window closed completely on their NHL opportunities? Will they be offered contracts. If so, will it be to play for the Amerks? Links to the rest of the series: Anders Linback: http://forums.sabres...nders-lindback/ Pat Kaleta: http://forums.sabres...patrick-kaleta/ Johan Larsson: http://forums.sabres...-johan-larsson/ Matt Hackett: http://forums.sabres...1-matt-hackett/ Andrej Meszaros: http://forums.sabrespace.com/topic/23343-roster-review-41-andrej-meszaros/

Well here we go with the first year AT. Will Jack be a Sabre in October? Who does Toronto draft? What happens with the Chicago cap situation? All this and more coming up in around the NHL 2015-2016

With the deadline only a two months away, and rumors already heating up, I figured it was time we created a separate thread for all trades leading up to the deadline so we don't clutter up others. Plus, wanted to have one place to discuss all rumors instead of two different threads. Enjoy the poll, and the thread. I'm taking the last few relevant posts from other threads and putting them in here, just give me a second. http://www.thehockey...-become-buyers/ Quote WHO WILL THE NEW SABRES GM TRADE? The Buffalo Sabres recent hiring of former Senators assistant GM Tim Murray as their new GM has some observers pondering the moves he could have in store for his new club. CBC’s Elliotte Friedman reports Murray, in the press conference announcing his hiring, indicated there were no untouchables on his new team. However, teams with interest in young Sabres like Zemgus Girgensons, Tyler Myers or Rasmus Ristolainen should expect to pay a high price to acquire them. That should discourage any rival GM hoping to fleece Murray, who has years of front office experience with several NHL clubs. Murray’s biggest challenge will be determining the fate of pending free agents like Moulson, Ott and goaltender Ryan Miller. Murray is expected to speak with Miller before the March trade deadline about re-signing with the Sabres. If the netminder intends to test this summer’s free agent market, Murray could shop him for the best possible return. COULD THE PANTHERS LAND MILLER? Harvey Fialkov of sun-sentinel.com notes Miller has family living in Florida, suggesting the Panthers could consider pursuing the 33-year-old goalie via free agency in July. Vinnie Viola, the Panthers new owner, has given GM Dale Tallon permission to spend up to the cap ceiling this summer, which is projected to be $71.1 million for 2014-15. The Panthers currently have$40.4 million invested in 12 players, leaving them more than $35 million to pursue free agent talent like Miller in July. It remains to be seen, of course, if the Panthers succeed in landing Miller or any of this summer’s top free agents. While they will bid competitively, that might not be enough to attract a veteran like Miller, who would likely prefer signing with a Stanley Cup contender. Indeed, Tallon should avoid pursuing veterans more interested in a big payday than in building a winner. At the very least, the Panthers willingness to spend puts an end to speculation they’ll engage in a roster fire sale by the deadline. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=441247 Volatile Venture With the post-season now a realistic possibility for the surging Ottawa Senators, general manager Bryan Murray seems ready to make a deal. "We are available to make a deal," he said in a conference call Tuesday. However, Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun writes that one of the prized names on the market, Buffalo Sabres forward Matt Moulson, may be a little too pricey for the nation's capital. Brennan says one NHL executive believes a deal between the Senators and Sabres "makes sense", but another executive said the Sabres would likely ask for too much in the form of "a minimum of a first (round pick) and a top young player. And I'm not even sure they even want a first in this draft." Moulson is making $3.13 million this year and is said to be looking for a long-term deal and double his current wage. The Senators likely won't be willing to give up the pieces or dollars for a deal going forward.

Since we are rapidly approaching the expansion draft so here are the dates you want to know courtesy of John Vogl: 7/13: Asking players to waive NMC deadline (specifically for expansion draft) 5pm eastern 7/16: Players have to respond to NMC waive requests by this time and this is the last waivers before the roster freeze (5pm) 7/17: NHL roster freeze and submission of expansion draft lists (freeze at 3pm, lists due at 5pm) 7/18: Expansion draft protection lists and exposed players released. Seattle can talk to UFA's (10am) 7/21: NHL Expansion Draft (Seattle submits picks at 10am, Draft is revealed at 8pm) 7/22: Roster freeze ends, trades and waivers may resume (1pm) 7/23: NHL entry draft 1st round (8pm eastern start time) 7/24: NHL entry draft rounds 2-7 7/28: NHL Free Agency

I like watching the Avs... they are not perfect but man they skate. Also enjoy Vancouver... win or lose they give Toronto fits... also Hawks TB series has been surprisingly enjoyable... young Hawks really working. I only rout for Sabres but they are unwatchable and now because MSG blocks half their games I find myself just looking for good games to watch.. Comments?

Now, I know there are multiple reasons, opinions, variable universe possibilities that could have changed everything. As I approach my 60th birthday, I have had many revelations but one thing that keeps hitting me in the face is how much luck, fate and happenstance plays into how things play out. I can shout it out publicly now because my four children have become awesome, successful adults and I don’t have to worry about them just lazing about waiting for their life to be determined by some uncontrollable circumstance or circumstances. They bought all that stuff about hard work, getting an education and treating everyone with respect even if you think ninety percent of them are dumb as a bag of rocks. So I’m going to say it, The Buffalo Sabre’s would be one if the best teams in the league if Robin L. had figured out his mental issues sooner and Elias Petterson fell to them instead of Casey. Now obviously that didn’t happen and it’s incumbent on them to find a true number two center and number one goaltender but my point is that all the rest of it is irrelevant. According to a study in 2018, they were number 11 in drafting the last ten years prior. They have their share of diamonds in the rough, dumb decisions, poor development, dumb coaching hires, head scratching ownership moves.....Even Bill Belichek doesn’t look so smart when his QB can’t complete NFL required throws. None if it matters, a true number two center and top ten goaltending make them cup contenders. Everything else takes care of itself. FIRE AWAY

With Risto's trade looking more and more likely, who do we have that can play a physical game? Are we a soft team? Secondary point, is toughness needed on a modern NHL roster? *Mods* I'm sure this discussion has came up before but can't locate the thread. If needs be please move this.

Sam Fels levels the Knights, the trade, and the player… The article is informed… and the comments are great reading… Somebody is stewing in LV today… https://deadspin.com/maybe-jack-eichel-just-isn-t-that-guy-1848837660

I got nothing. Alternatives to watching the game include doing anything else. Maybe a Borgen/Brickley ELC Signing Doubleheader would help

Seems to be a pretty big topic of discussion, so have at it

So LeBrun reporting that the Salary Cap likely to increase $3-7 million next year. Does this help Sabres overcome some the drag by non performing players and Moulson’s contract? or create too much competition for players they may want. Discuss. https://twitter.com/pierrevlebrun/status/939162299595722752

So the NHL is doing a matchup vote of the great uniforms. They have a picture of Gilbert Perrault in the old Sabre white and then in one in the Navy Blue with Jack Eichel. You can do as many matchups as you can stand. The home white with Perrault is winning in every match up I chose. Here is the link: Keep the white on top and vote as often as you can stand: https://greatestnhluniforms.com/

I've heard a fair amount of Lose for Hughes talk, but the Atlantic is shaping up to be a division of extremes. How do you see things shaping up in the division next year and where do the Sabres fit in?

Does anyone use that as a resource? I'm sure every team needs to be refreshed, but is it utilized (or would it be with a fresh list)?

And so we start again

I didn't really want to bury this in another thread because I think everyone in Buffalo deserves a pat on the back for this. You topped the playoff viewership ratings with NO team in the playoffs. This is why we have passionate hockey discussions around here. Buffalo loves hockey. https://www.bardown.com/top-10-cities-watching-hockey-in-america-last-night-included-three-cities-with-non-playoff-teams-1.1054964 Following are Top 10 markets for last night's coverage of #StanleyCupPlayoffs: 1 Buffalo 1.75 2 Ft. Myers 1.05 3 Nashville 0.87 3 Richmond-Petersburg 0.87 3 Boston 0.87 6 WashDC 0.77 7 Pittsburgh 0.66 8 Phoenix 0.61 9 Hartford-New Haven 0.60 10 St. Louis 0.59

Just saw this on NHL website: not sure if someone is going to set up a Sabrespace one or do we do it on NHL website, but here is the link: NHL.com/Bracket

Figured we needed a running trade list for this season brought about by the first two announced 2017 trades: Nothing earth shattering : https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/ducks-acquire-enroth-from-toronto/c-285551492 http://mynhltraderumors.com/nhl-trade-predators-acquire-cody-mcleod-avalanche/2017/01/13/ Also helpful link: https://www.nhl.com/news/2016-17-nhl-trades/c-281003458

Has the lack of peime time playoffs and network TV as well as live streaming killing the game we all love. Me personnally would love access as a package thru the NHL via internet access to the playoffs. I only have internet cancelling my cable because it cost too much and not giving what I wanted anyway. But NHL streaming of games I love, so why not for the playoffs?? This thread was inspired by comment posted on the schedule announcement of the conference finals on The NHLs website https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-playoffs-conference-finals-schedule/c-280638428?tid=280202816 Discuss.

This year, several Sabres, past and present, played in DaBeautyLeague, a Summer 4 on 4 hockey league. The league's season is now over. Here are some point totals for our guys and my personal reviews. The league didn't post +/-, so I only have point totals. Mind you that in a 4 on 4 Summer league, point totals are going to be highly inflated. [I am NOT a scout...just some of my observations.] B. Boeser 9gp 16g 18a 34pts For comparison the leading scorer was Brock Boeser; he was phenomenal day in day out. He's an example for why I wanted Jim Benning as our GM. Z. Bogosian 5gp 4g 9a 12pts. Zach played OK. He showed some offensive flair with a nice shot on display for his goals. Unfortunately, his defense wasn't stellar. He made a completely bone-headed play in the semi-finals that helped cost his team the game. [He pinned a guy along the boards and then just stayed there while the play ended up coming back to the front of the net.] Hudson Fasching 9gp 5g 6a 11pts. I didn't see him score any goals personally. From what I saw he was the Rochester Fasching, i.e. has tools but cannot score. Casey Nelson 9gp 2g 7a 9pts. Casey was solid albeit unspectacular. C.J. Smith 6gp 2g 5a 7pts C.J. was solid albeit unspectacular. Casey Mittelstadt 4gp 1g 3a 4pts On his one goal, it was the Casey that makes us drool. The rest of the time, his play seemed a bit uninspired. And then he dropped out of the league after just 4 games. He wasn't injured because he played with Eichel in a Buffalo beer league afterwards. I know that it's just a Summer league. And as the games went on and grew in importance, intensity improved somewhat. I guess that we'll have to wait for the prospect tournament and training camp to see how Casey fits in. Sam Reinhart 1gp 1g 1a 2pts. With his team down, Sam pushed hard to score the tying goal. Yay. But then he made a blind pass to the opponet's crease which ended up at the blue line and was taken in for a break-away for the game winning goal. Ouch. The play-by-play guys were also playing things a bit loose. So, I'm sure that I missed some play by our guys as I didn't have everyone's numbers memorized and the camera work was not top shelf. But there you have it, some feedback on the DaBeautyLeague for 2018.

A couple of guys got into this big argument over this at a party I was at and I didn't get involved. One dude thought Brandon was the greatest and the other said he isn't that good, so I just bring it to the board for some summer thoughts. Personally, I always liked him, think he has real passion, obviously skates real well and is offensively gifted. I always thought he needed to settle down and relax a little as he seemed too hyper, a problem I kind of had when I first started playing. Seems like he has gotten over that. I think he is a well above average player but not ready to say he is a Norris candidate, but who knows